Wednesday, June 10, 2009

My Living and Dining Room Makeover

I'm so excited to finally share this with you! Our home went through quite the transformation with the help of a lot of paint. First, lets go back to where we started! The walls were white (and dirty) and the trim was all wood.





The dining room was yellow. There wasn't anything wrong with the yellow but once everything else was painted, it stood out too much. Dining room before:







My starting point was a single picture from Eddie Ross. Isn't he amazing?! Anyway, I loved this pic of the white secretary against the gray walls. I knew this was going to be my color scheme.



I almost didn't post this week because of this.....my couch cushions are at the cleaners thanks to a little puppy named Tucker. I decided to post anyway because hey, this is supposed to be a real life blog. And in real life, I have a puppy that requires my cushions to go to the cleaners. At least I had these euro pillows to throw on there until the real ones come back.



And here is the living room! After many paint samples, the winner was Coventry Gray by Benjamin Moore. I will admit it is bluer than I expected but I really do love it! The ceilings are painted Wickham Gray, also Benjamin Moore. I'm really happy with how high it makes the ceiling feel. With the ceilings being a color, your eye doesn't have a stopping point. I was worried it would feel closed in but, in fact, the painted ceiling did the opposite.









View from the kitchen:






View up the stairs. I decided to do the spindles on the stair railing white and the banister black. It was hard to swipe that first bit of black on it but I'm so glad I did.












Upstairs hallway....


My family wall I'm still working on....



Ready to go back downstairs?




Now I have the perfect spot for my laptop. After having it in the kitchen for a while, it just wasn't working. I'm much happier at the secretary. My mom is embroidering birds for me to go on the wall there to the left. She'll have them done very soon, right mom? No pressure!



The armoire had faux tin panels in the front. It felt a bit too "country" for the room so I painted them white and did some antiquing of course.



I shopped around for a ceiling fan that deserved to be in this room. I wanted something white, functional but also pretty.



The new foyer chandelier is from Home Depot. My hubby had a great time putting all those little crystals on. ;)




These switch covers were a bit of a splurge but I think the little details are so important!










One of my favorite pics of my daughter Ella and our Sheltie when they were both much smaller...





It just wouldn't be my house without ceiling tiles hanging on the walls.




I'm still deciding if I want to paint the french doors or leave them alone.












This rocker is going to be painted white and recovered. I bought two fabrics because I can't make up my mind. Either this floral......




Or this solid that reminds me of linen. What do you think?





A small cake stand makes a great coaster next to the couch.




This armchair was my husband's find at a flea market. It's chipping and glued together in spots but we love it!




The window treatments were purchased at a high end retail store and cost a lot of money.





Did you believe me?? Naw, I didn't think so, you know me too well for that! They were purchased at Walmart. The roman shades are a jute and have a cute frayed edge and the sheers are from their Better Homes and Gardens collection.



For this empty wall at the bottom of the steps, I'm planning a coat rack made out of vintage doorknobs. I'm on the hunt for some locally so I don't have to pay shipping online.



Lets move on to the dining room!









Summer is upon us, what better way to celebrate than with sea shells?










That's the full tour, thank you so much for allowing me to show you around! There are still odds and ends to finish up but the house is so comfy now. I'm sure I'll find new treasures to fill it up but I don't want to rush it. Having the room a bit empty gives me something to look forward to....a summer full of yard sales and flea markets. Yay!

73 comments:

Rachael Havens said...

I love everything you've done! Really great job and finds.

Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and Wildflower Creative said...

Thanks so much for the tour Michelle! Lovely, fabulously awesome job! Your home is so inviting and welcoming! Love the colors....love everything! :)

BTW, thanks for stopping by my blog today and commenting on my vintage shutter.

Blessings,

Rachel

Missy in Texas said...

First of all, your plaid ottoman is to die for. I absolutely love it. Thanks for emailing me the Brown Teepee paint color. I love it! Is that the same color in your kitchen, and also, what paint color is in your Mater Bedroom? I am a paint stalker right now.
Thanks again.
-Missy

Dina said...

I love it - all the details are great!! I am really digging that grey/blue on the walls - you have given me something to think about!

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

WOW!

Thanks so much for posting....I really love what you've done! I really love the gray/blue color you've chosen....makes me think twice about the Svelte Sage I've got in my living room. I'm really working on changing our space- including thinking about painting our stained trim.

jamie said...

Everything looks wonderful! I love the woodwork painted white and the wall color is great! Your home seems so comfortable.
I love the framed handprints and footprint! The white paint on brown paper looks really nice.
Thanks for the tour!

Eileen said...

You did a beautiful job, really a decorators touch!
I love it all, but I especially love the chair your husband found, and the mirror in your dining room.

I am partial to floral, but I think I would go for the more neutral linen on the rocker. They are both beauties though so whichever you choose you can't go wrong!

I always loved blue and white, and gray and white. My very first kitchen was blue and white!

You've created a very serene environment. It all looks so peaceful and inviting. Great job!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

It's gorgeous, Michelle - every little detail - so fresh and inviting. I, too, love the framed hand and foot prints. Oh, I really like the floral on the chair - gives it a softer look. Another choice might be a linen-looking toile, but I like the print you have. Linda

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, Michelle, it's just gorgeous! I LOVE that wall color. and EVERYTHING else. You must be tired! :)

Jewel Sauls said...

Wow! I love it all! The grey/white is such a nice soothing color scheme. I think I vote to leave the French Doors natural wood. Loved the tour!!! :D Jewel

southerninspiration said...

Michelle, I agree that it's gorgeous!!! I love the blue grey, and I think I would choose the floral for the chair; it's all just perfect now!!!

Suzanne

Lisa~A Cottage To Me said...

Your home is lovely, thank you for giving a tour! I always enjoy seeing the inside of these lovely homes. If your asking, I would leave the french doors natural. Again, beautiful home!

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Michelle,
It looks beautiful!! I have been checking in everyday to see it, LOL. Ok you had asked about the doors, I would usually say paint them but I kind of liked the look of the wood doors with the grey it keeps it warm and inviting to me, but I do like the white painted furniture not wood furniture then it would look to dark. Now the fabric I liked the floral and from my comp the colors look like it would tie your everything rm and living rm together,aren't you glad you asked so I could ramble on and on, whatever you decide will look beautiful!! Great job(;
Hugs~Kelly

Anna said...

it is beautiful. You did an incredible job with the painting and all the little details.

Julie said...

Michelle I love all the changes. It looks wonderful I love the color. I'm trying to decide on a paint color for my bedroom I love this color I may have to try it.
Have a great week
julie

Rue said...

Holy smokes woman! It's perfect! It's got a really serene, swedish, feel, but cozy cottage at the same time. It almost reminds me a little bit of that movie Something's Gotta Give, in that first shot after the couch cusions. Speaking of... a striped rug in there might be what you're looking for.

I love the secretary, the hand and foot prints, the plaid ottoman, the lights, the little table at the top of the stairs (so cute!), the oh-so expensive drapes (lol).... everything! Oh and I'm drooling over the last picture too!

Oh and I like the floral for the rocker :)

Great job!
rue

Anonymous said...

It's all so gorgeous! Thanks for the tour and personally I like the solid fabric for the chair. Have a great day.
Sarah

Ella said...

My two cents for whatever they are worth... Love it!!! Seriously fantastic! I'm really partial to the floral on the rocker as well. In a daydream, I'd be tempted to see if I could figure out a way to make a reversible cushion and a matching pillow. That way it could be switched up whenever desired.

I've got a few q's for you. I have a similar stair wall along the banister railing in your 12th picture. Only mine extends the full length of the stairs. space there really needs a face lift. How hard was it to paint the spindles, railing and wall in that tight space? Do you have any tips that make for a nicer finish and easier process there? Completely unrelated now, I've been trying to find a ceiling fan worthy of our master bedroom. Where oh where did you find that simply beautiful ceiling fan?

I've been observing the resurgence of gray in interiors but truly hadn't fallen in love with it until seeing your home transformation here. Truly fabulous. PS- No paint on the french doors please. They are perfect and harmonious just the way they are!
;) Ella

Dawn said...

Michelle!!! You've done it again! Absolutely beautiful! Every detail is gorgeous!

Can you come over and re-do Eventually Cottage for me now? LOL!

aprilfoolwed said...

BEAUTIFUL Michelle!

Chiki Cottage said...

You did an awesome job! You should be really proud because everything came out beautiful. I love the chandelier you got at the Depot. I didnt know they had those kinds. I am going to check it out and I might copy you....sorry... :)
Well about those doors, I think they would look good white. Well thanks for sharing. So very inspirational.

janet said...

Michelle, this comes from the bottom of my heart. From the moment I first saw your home it was and is my dream house, beautiful, classic, timeless, homey, inviting and elegant all wrapped up into one home. I just can't express in words how i adore your home, so many beautiful things to look at. This is the look im trying to achieve in our home, it may be a little more difficult because our home is a suburb cookie cutter, but im trying. My first start was with the new/old tv cabinet and its my favorite little spot in my whole house. Your new paint color is gorgeous, i too have green sofa's but more of an olive mossy type green and didnt think there was hope for me to use grey. Do you think there is? any tips you have for me to achieve this look, im open to suggestions. Oh and girl, where did you get such a beautiful ceiling fan, i have been looking for something just like this and oh my gosh the chandelier is gorgeous!!! thank you for sharing your beautiful home Michelle, you certainly have created a lovely space.
hugs
janet

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

WOW!! Love it all! Your home "flows" so beautifully together, the colors are great! And all of your unique touches really make it a special space. Thanks so much for the tour! :)

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Michelle: This is absolutely stunning!! I love the colors and the way you painted the staircase just makes it POP! Love the handprint/footpring photos at the top of the stairs!! I love the floral fabric the best, and as for the doors...that's a toughie! I was thinking they may look great painted black! I am trying to get the nerve up to pain my french door in my kitchen black!

Beautiful, beautiful job!!

Now....REST!!

Lou Cinda :)

P.S. Love the idea for the vintage coat rack with doorknobs! can't wait to see that!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Michelle: This is absolutely stunning!! I love the colors and the way you painted the staircase just makes it POP! Love the handprint/footpring photos at the top of the stairs!! I love the floral fabric the best, and as for the doors...that's a toughie! I was thinking they may look great painted black! I am trying to get the nerve up to pain my french door in my kitchen black!

Beautiful, beautiful job!!

Now....REST!!

Lou Cinda :)

P.S. Love the idea for the vintage coat rack with doorknobs! can't wait to see that!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Michelle: This is absolutely stunning!! I love the colors and the way you painted the staircase just makes it POP! Love the handprint/footpring photos at the top of the stairs!! I love the floral fabric the best, and as for the doors...that's a toughie! I was thinking they may look great painted black! I am trying to get the nerve up to pain my french door in my kitchen black!

Beautiful, beautiful job!!

Now....REST!!

Lou Cinda :)

P.S. Love the idea for the vintage coat rack with doorknobs! can't wait to see that!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Michelle: This is absolutely stunning!! I love the colors and the way you painted the staircase just makes it POP! Love the handprint/footpring photos at the top of the stairs!! I love the floral fabric the best, and as for the doors...that's a toughie! I was thinking they may look great painted black! I am trying to get the nerve up to pain my french door in my kitchen black!

Beautiful, beautiful job!!

Now....REST!!

Lou Cinda :)

P.S. Love the idea for the vintage coat rack with doorknobs! can't wait to see that!

Stacey said...

It looks beautiful! I love the grayish paint - it adds a touch of elegance. Those new light fixtures are perfection with the paint! That little vignette with the mirror hanging on the ribbon is so pretty. You are really good at this!!

By the way, my rug is at the cleaners right now....dogs!

Angela said...

It's beautiful. I've been thinking about using gray...you may have sold me.

Leave the french doors as they are...I have a set in my house that I considered painting when I first moved in, but now I'm so glad that I didn't.

Victoria said...

Oh my I am in LOVE with your house! It is beautiful!!!

I have never seen a ceiling fan like yours. Where did you find it?

Everything is so calming and beautiful.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

You have done such a fabulous job with all your vision and decorating. Your home is just gorgeous. It looks like a breath of fresh air. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Sue said...

Your home came out so comforting and peaceful! I LOVE the white trim and the ceiling in your dining room. All your accessories are perfect!! I vote floral and natural wood....Good Job!!
Blessings~LillySue

Natalie Meester said...

Simply stunning! It looks so airy and yet cozy at the same time.

june@craftyniche said...

Oh my, I love what you have done as well! I am loving the BM blue/gray on the walls. I may go with that color for my bedroom. :)

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

I love the white woodwork. I know what you mean by it was hard to make the first brush stroke on the wood. It kills me to paint wood, but I always love the trim painted. I vote for the floral print for the rocker. You certainly have been busy doing all the wonderful upgrades. Thanks for sharing.

Christy said...

I love the transformation! My vote goes for white french doors and the plainer linen fabric on the chair. Both seem to fit the soothing feel of the space to me. Thanks for the wonderful ideas and inspiration!

Darlene said...

I am absolutely in LOVE! What a fabulous transformation! Everything is just so beautiful and calming. What a fabulous job you have done.♥

Tara said...

hi Michelle! your house looks AMAZING, I love the grey/blue color on the walls and all the white accents. You did so much hard work and it really paid off...I can't wait to see all the little flea market/garage sale find you come up with over the summer!! now sit a spell and have a lemonade and relax, you deserve it!

Marie said...

Oh my - Michelle, if you were sitting next to me while I was looking at your pics you would have heard me let out one of those squeals like the lady does on Dancing with the Stars! Seriously - your home make-overs couldn't be more fabulous. You have taken such great care in everything you've done - thank you for the beautiful inspiration! Btw...definitely the floral fabric on the chair.

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

cc said...

EVERYTHING is just gorgeous, you have great taste.

On the french doors, DO NOT paint them,they are beautiful au natural; plus they never look as sleek painted!!

Keep up your great work!

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Absolutly beautiful!
We bought our cottage farmhouse 5 years ago and I am still having fun with it!
Misha

Unknown said...

I love it!! Great job!

Nancy

beth said...

I love it!! But of course I knew I would. Just beautiful, Michelle. My vote is for painting the French doors. It will tie them in with the rest of the woodwork. First thing I saw the picture, before you even mentioned whether you should paint the doors, my first thought was that you need to paint the doors. I just love the look of the grey-blue with the white. And everything looks good againsed the grey, doesn't it? I was amazed when I painted our living room grey-blue, how nice all the colors of my furniture and accesories looked againsed it. I love it!!

Anonymous said...

That is gorgeous! I love the whole look. I would leave the French doors as they are, since I really like the look of your stairs with some white, some wood. I have those exact same french doors in my 1925 Four Square here in Minnesota. Your staircase is way better than mine, though. Mine is closed in.

I love the print fabric for the chair, but then I like prints...

Megan said...

Love your new paint colors, the painted trim really jumps out great choice. You did a fabulous job!!!

Anonymous said...

Michelle, you have done a lovely job making a house a home.I really like the floral fabric for the chair.

LeAnn:)

beth said...

Another thing concerning the french doors. I went back and looked at the photos again, and are those glass knobs on the doors? Right now, they just kind of fade away against the dark wood, but glass knobs just sparkle and shine up against white. Just a thought. :)

Unknown said...

Yummmm....love the colors they are calming and classy! Good job!

Joan@anythinggoeshere said...

What an incredible transformation. You must be very happy. The grey and white is very pretty and extremely peaceful. Happy Wednesday.

Kasey said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love what you've done to transform your home.

Anonymous said...

I love it.. no I more then love it. Its BEAUTIFUL! The best I've seen in a long time!

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

It looks great!! I cant wait to redo stuff in our house. The bedrooms and living room are okay, just need new doors & some white paint on the trim. But I'm still living with a 1960s bathroom & kitchen!

Anonymous said...

Michelle, You know I really love you. Please Please no paint on the French Doors. This includes the testing while I'm work. Love you tons Ron

The Gifford's said...

Beautiful - you have a great gift!! I'm inspired.

Kelly K said...

Everything turned out beautiful! loved the wall color!

Its So Very Cheri said...

Love it.

I just found your blog and added it to my favs. I wanted to let you know I have a GIVE AWAY that ends to day.

Cheri
www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com

Adrienne of Noon To Two and Handmade By Ade Etsy Shops said...

Wonderful Michelle! Like always. Keep showing us around, we all love it!

Thanks for stopping over at my poor blog I've terribly neglected lately. Just closed on our new home yesterday afternoon. Not sure when I'll be doing and posting remodeling fun, but I have a lot of work to share when I do! You are a great inspiration. Can't wait to hear what you think.

ps. I think I like the floral material for that chair cover. You have a lot of solids so I thought the floral would add a bit detail and not be too busy. Just my thoughts.

Adrienne

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Ahhhhhhhhhh Your house is so awesome! You know I just love everything you do. If this were MY house I would paint the french doors the same color as the walls. It will make the room appear even larger and flow seamlessly. Looks awesome! Love the colors you have chosen. Just gorgeous!!!

~Misti

Tootsie said...

what a wonderful transformation!!! so crisp!

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

What a beautiful space! It seems so calming, cozy, breezy and comfy. I just love it! You did such a wonderful job. I really love what you did with your armoire.

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

What an inspiration you are and beautiful home!

Hugs,
Maryjane

trish said...

Hi Michelle,
Your rooms look amazing! I like every single detail! :o) Your pictures lend a great deal of inspiration! :o)
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

Unknown said...

Oh My oh my! I am studying every pic because it is all so beautiful. Nice work!!! I think your entry and staircase are my fav (for now). :)
♥ Jen

LuLu said...

Can I come visit! It is so so so so beautiful. All the hard work and endless hours of paint were completely worth it! Great job and it is just dreamy. Really I can't say enough wonderful things about your lovely home!!!
hugs,
LuLu

Jessica said...

I Love Love Love the stairwell!! It looks so awesome w/ the contrasting white & dark! Have you seen the pictures of stairs with the numbers going up or down them? I think that would be perfect for yours!
Great job w/ everything.. it looks great! :)

Rachel said...

Adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Victoria Hayden said...

I love the transformation~Beautiful!! I think the floral fabric is the best choice for the chair! The doors is a hard one...I love the look now, but I can also see them in white. I think either way you go will be great!! I too want to go to a soft blue Grey color. We are military and move alot! We are up for another move in August. Even though I love the yellow we have had, I think I am done with it and ready to move on...to muted blue grey! For now I will vicariously live through inspiring pictures, such as yours!!

Hugs,
~Victoria~

Katy said...

Everything looks just beautiful!!! I would want to come visit and look all around, GREAT job.

Ashley @ AshleysBusy said...

Wow, you really live here and did all this yourself?! It's GORGEOUS, really, I can't stress how lovely it is :)

Gretchen said...

Wow! It is so charming! Now I want to paint all my furniture white. I just found your blog and I am totally wasting the afternoon perusing all of your decorating ideas.

- Sarah :-) said...

your home looksABSOLUTEly amazing. I love it!

Anonymous said...

The matchless phrase, is pleasant to me :)

beth said...

The wood work reminds me of my house. The trim, stairs, doors even the french doors! I have wanted to paint it white since we moved in but I promised my self I would do it this spring. I was wondering what I should do with the door(paint them or leave them your look good so i may leave them for now. Thank youfro a great blog and an awsome playlist!